Style: Vocal country gospel; compare to Jason Crabb, The Isaacs, The Martins
Top tracks: “The Love of God,” “Fool’s Gold,” “Cup of Sorrow”
Through the years, the Gaither Vocal Band has served as a catalyst for Christian music’s most legendary male vocalists, including current members Michael English, David Phelps, and Mark Lowry. But their latest record adds the mission of purporting great songwriters with the typically-orchestrated quintet paring down production to highlight heartrending songs by Amos Lee (“Cup of Sorrow”), Mindy Smith (“Come to Jesus”), Sonya Isaacs (“I’ll Pray for You”), Phelps (“Fool’s Gold”), and of course, Bill Gaither (“The Old Rugged Cross Made the Difference”). Although vocal arrangements at times err over-the-top for an “unplugged” set, easy fiddles, gently plucked mandolin, and simple percussion settle nicely beneath their voices.
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